Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 31194-31196 [2021-12226]
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31194
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 111 / Friday, June 11, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Register Liaison Officer has been
authorized to sign and submit the
document in electronic format for
publication, as an official document of
the Department of Energy. This
administrative process in no way alters
the legal effect of this document upon
publication in the Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on June 7,
2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021–12160 Filed 6–10–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. For Rolls-Royce
service information identified in this
NPRM, contact Rolls-Royce plc,
Corporate Communications, P.O. Box
31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom;
phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44
(0)1332 249936; or at https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may
view this service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222–5110.
Examining the AD Docket
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0460; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01620–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and
AS355F2 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by multiple fatigue
cracks in power turbine (PT) 3rd stage
wheels. This proposed AD would
require revising the existing Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter
and installing a placard. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by July 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this NPRM,
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SUMMARY:
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You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0460; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Hughlett, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
michael.hughlett@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0460; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01620–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
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summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Michael Hughlett,
Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
michael.hughlett@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0266,
dated December 8, 2020 (EASA AD
2020–0266), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH),
formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale Model AS 355 E, AS 355
F, AS 355 F1, and AS 355 F2
helicopters, all serial numbers, if
equipped with Rolls-Royce Corporation
(formerly Allison) (RRC) engine Model
250–C20F. EASA advises of multiple
fatigue cracks in PT 3rd stage wheels.
Investigation has revealed that crack
initiation at the hub trailing edge could
occur in low-cycle fatigue and progress
in high-cycle fatigue up to separation of
the blade. According to EASA, RRC has
determined that detrimental vibrations
could occur within a particular range of
turbine speeds, below the normal
operating range of this helicopter, which
are a potential contributing factor to
these failures. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in fatigue failure
of a PT 3rd stage wheel, and subsequent
loss of engine power, release of debris
and damage to the helicopter, and loss
of control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2020–0266
requires revising the Normal Procedures
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 111 / Friday, June 11, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Section of the applicable RFM or RFM
supplement, informing flight crews, and
installing a placard in full view of both
pilots.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355–
71.00.21, Revision 1, dated November
10, 2020. This service information
specifies replacing a note with a caution
in the Flight Manual to not allow rotor
speed to stagnate between 279 and 374
revolutions per minute (RPM) during
engine acceleration. This service
information also specifies procedures
for making and installing a label
(placard) for the pilot and co-pilot to
avoid 71–95% N2 steady-state speed
(avoid operation at 279–374 RPM).
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Rolls-Royce
Alert Commercial Engine Bulletin A–
1400, Revision 7, dated January 10,
2019. This service information specifies
the speed avoidance range and
operating procedures depending on the
PT wheel part number installed.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter to replace a note with a
caution to not allow rotor speed to
stagnate between 279 and 374 RPM.
This proposed AD would also require
installing a placard to avoid 71–95% N2
steady-state speed (avoid operation at
279–374 RPM).
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2020–0266 requires
compliance within 50 flight hours or 30
days, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of its AD, whereas this
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Jkt 253001
proposed AD would require compliance
within 50 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 29
helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
Revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter would take about 0.25 workhour for an estimated cost of $21 per
helicopter and $609 for the U.S. fleet.
Installing a placard would take about
0.25 work-hour and parts would cost a
nominal amount, for an estimated cost
of $21 per helicopter and $609 for the
U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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31195
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0460; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–
01620–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by July 26, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and
AS355F2 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with a Rolls-Royce Corporation
(formerly Allison) engine Model 250–C20F
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 7250, Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple fatigue
cracks in power turbine (PT) 3rd stage
wheels. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent fatigue failure of a PT 3rd stage
wheel. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of engine
power, release of debris and damage to the
helicopter, and loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 50 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD:
(1) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by
inserting the page applicable to your
helicopter model and version from Appendix
4.A. through D., of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. AS355–71.00.21,
Revision 1, dated November 10, 2020 (ASB
AS355–71.00.21 Rev 1). Inserting a different
document with information identical to that
in Appendix 4.A. through D., of ASB AS355–
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31196
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 111 / Friday, June 11, 2021 / Proposed Rules
71.00.21 Rev 1, as applicable to your
helicopter model and version, is acceptable
for compliance with the requirement of this
paragraph. The action required by this
paragraph may be performed by the owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate and must be entered into the
aircraft records showing compliance with
this AD in accordance with § 43.9(a)(1)
through (4) and § 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record
must be maintained as required by § 91.417,
§ 121.380, or § 135.439.
(2) Install a placard in full view of the pilot
and co-pilot by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B., of ASB AS355–71.00.21 Rev 1.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Airbus
Helicopters service information refers to a
placard as a label.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are permitted so long
as continuous engine operation between 71
and 88% N2 is avoided.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Michael Hughlett, Aerospace
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
michael.hughlett@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0266, dated December 8,
2020. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2021–0460.
Issued on June 6, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–12226 Filed 6–10–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Natural Resources Revenue
30 CFR Parts 1206 and 1241
[Docket No. ONRR–2020–0001; DS63644000
DRT000000.CH7000 212D1113RT]
RIN 1012–AA27
ONRR 2020 Valuation Reform and Civil
Penalty Rule: Notification of Proposed
Withdrawal
Office of Natural Resources
Revenue (‘‘ONRR’’), Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
ONRR is proposing to
withdraw the final rule entitled ‘‘ONRR
2020 Valuation Reform and Civil
Penalty Rule’’ (‘‘2020 Rule’’). This
action opens a 60-day comment period
to allow interested parties to comment
on ONRR’s proposed withdrawal of the
2020 Rule.
DATES: The final rule published on
January 15, 2021, at 86 FR 4612, which
was delayed at 86 FR 9286 on February
SUMMARY:
12, 2021, and 86 FR 20032 on April 16,
2021, is proposed to be withdrawn. To
be assured consideration, comments
must be received at one of the addresses
provided below by 11:59 p.m. EST on
August 10, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
to ONRR using one of the following two
methods. Please reference the
Regulation Identifier Number (‘‘RIN’’)
for this action, ‘‘RIN 1012–AA27,’’ in
your comment:
• Electronically via the Federal
eRulemaking Portal: Please visit https://
www.regulations.gov. In the Search Box,
enter Docket ID ‘‘ONRR–2020–0001’’
and click ‘‘search’’ to view the
publications associated with the docket
folder. Locate the document with an
open comment period and then click
‘‘Comment.’’ Follow the instructions to
submit your public comments prior to
the close of the comment period.
• Email Submissions: Please submit
your comments via email at ONRR_
RegulationsMailbox@onrr.gov with
‘‘RIN 1012–AA27’’ listed in the subject
line of your message. Email submissions
must be postmarked on or before the
close of the comment period.
Instructions: All comments must
include the agency name and docket
number or RIN for this rulemaking. All
comments, including any personal
identifying information or confidential
business information contained in a
comment, will be posted without
change to https://www.regulations.gov.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or
comments received, go to https://
www.regulations.gov and locate the
docket folder by searching the Docket ID
(ONRR–2020–0001) or RIN number (RIN
1012–AA27).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
questions, contact Luis Aguilar,
Regulatory Specialist, at (303) 231–3418
or by email at ONRR_
RegulationsMailbox@onrr.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS AND COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS IN THIS PROPOSED RULE
Abbreviation
What it means
2016 Valuation Rule .............................
ONRR’s Consolidated Federal Oil and Gas and Federal and Indian Coal Valuation Reform Rule, 81 FR
43338 (July 1, 2016).
ONRR’s Amendments to Civil Penalty Regulations, 81 FR 50306 (August 1, 2016).
ONRR’s Repeal of the 2016 Valuation Rule, 82 FR 36934 (August 7, 2017).
Administrative Law Judge.
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, as amended.
American Petroleum Institute.
Bureau of Land Management.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
MMS’s May 20, 1999, memorandum entitled ‘‘Guidance for Determining Transportation Allowances for
Production from Leases in Water Depths Greater Than 200 Meters’’.
2016 Civil Penalty Rule ........................
2017 Repeal Rule ................................
ALJ .......................................................
APA ......................................................
API ........................................................
BLM ......................................................
BLS .......................................................
BOEM ...................................................
BSEE ....................................................
Deepwater Policy .................................
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 111 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31194-31196]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12226]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0460; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01620-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and
AS355F2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple fatigue
cracks in power turbine (PT) 3rd stage wheels. This proposed AD would
require revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter and installing a placard. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 26,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this NPRM,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775;
or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. For Rolls-Royce service information identified in this
NPRM, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31,
Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44
(0)1332 249936; or at https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact-us.aspx. You
may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0460; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Hughlett, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0460; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01620-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Michael Hughlett, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0266, dated December 8, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0266), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale
Model AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, and AS 355 F2 helicopters, all
serial numbers, if equipped with Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly
Allison) (RRC) engine Model 250-C20F. EASA advises of multiple fatigue
cracks in PT 3rd stage wheels. Investigation has revealed that crack
initiation at the hub trailing edge could occur in low-cycle fatigue
and progress in high-cycle fatigue up to separation of the blade.
According to EASA, RRC has determined that detrimental vibrations could
occur within a particular range of turbine speeds, below the normal
operating range of this helicopter, which are a potential contributing
factor to these failures. This condition, if not addressed, could
result in fatigue failure of a PT 3rd stage wheel, and subsequent loss
of engine power, release of debris and damage to the helicopter, and
loss of control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0266 requires revising the Normal
Procedures
[[Page 31195]]
Section of the applicable RFM or RFM supplement, informing flight
crews, and installing a placard in full view of both pilots.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of these same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
AS355-71.00.21, Revision 1, dated November 10, 2020. This service
information specifies replacing a note with a caution in the Flight
Manual to not allow rotor speed to stagnate between 279 and 374
revolutions per minute (RPM) during engine acceleration. This service
information also specifies procedures for making and installing a label
(placard) for the pilot and co-pilot to avoid 71-95% N2 steady-state
speed (avoid operation at 279-374 RPM).
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Rolls-Royce Alert Commercial Engine Bulletin
A-1400, Revision 7, dated January 10, 2019. This service information
specifies the speed avoidance range and operating procedures depending
on the PT wheel part number installed.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter to replace a note with a caution to not allow rotor speed to
stagnate between 279 and 374 RPM. This proposed AD would also require
installing a placard to avoid 71-95% N2 steady-state speed (avoid
operation at 279-374 RPM).
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2020-0266 requires compliance within 50 flight hours or 30
days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of its AD,
whereas this proposed AD would require compliance within 50 hours time-
in-service after the effective date of this AD instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 29 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.25
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $609 for the
U.S. fleet. Installing a placard would take about 0.25 work-hour and
parts would cost a nominal amount, for an estimated cost of $21 per
helicopter and $609 for the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0460; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01620-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 26, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison) engine Model 250-C20F
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple fatigue cracks in power turbine
(PT) 3rd stage wheels. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue
failure of a PT 3rd stage wheel. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of engine power, release of debris
and damage to the helicopter, and loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this
AD:
(1) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter by inserting the page applicable to your helicopter model
and version from Appendix 4.A. through D., of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355-71.00.21, Revision 1, dated
November 10, 2020 (ASB AS355-71.00.21 Rev 1). Inserting a different
document with information identical to that in Appendix 4.A. through
D., of ASB AS355-
[[Page 31196]]
71.00.21 Rev 1, as applicable to your helicopter model and version,
is acceptable for compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
The action required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and
must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with
this AD in accordance with Sec. 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and Sec.
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by Sec.
91.417, Sec. 121.380, or Sec. 135.439.
(2) Install a placard in full view of the pilot and co-pilot by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of ASB
AS355-71.00.21 Rev 1.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Airbus Helicopters service
information refers to a placard as a label.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are permitted so long as continuous
engine operation between 71 and 88% N2 is avoided.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael
Hughlett, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or
at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view this referenced service information at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-
5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0266, dated December 8, 2020.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0460.
Issued on June 6, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12226 Filed 6-10-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
